Beyond the Motor – The Tokyo Motor Show

Significant changes are taking place in the state of affairs surrounding the automobile industry. Innovative technologies are forced to emerge in a rapid succession, and relationships between people and vehicles are diversifying. The Tokyo Motor Show is pioneering this evolution. TMS is becoming an influential contributor in its role in next-generation mobility.

This year marks the 45th Tokyo Motor Show. As expected, the event is set to impress and quite likely to amuse visitors and those who follow remotely, with the numerous vehicles and related technology on show.

Since inception, Tokyo Motor Show, run by The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc (JAMA) has built a reputation of being as spectacular and eccentric as the host city itself; a reputation that it upheld once again this year, however, a fraction of the visitors will note that the event came a short of showing off mesmerisingly groundbreaking developments some were hoping for.

The 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 is set to run from October 27 through to November 5. This year, the event is taking place at Tokyo Big Sight, located in Tokyo’s Ariake waterfront area.

The official ceremony day was graced by the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Yohko of Mikasa, who officiated at the show’s Opening Ceremony.

The theme is “BEYOND THE MOTOR” – conveying a sense of progression into the future in all aspects of the event programme as well as branding. As part of the marketing drive – for the first time ever, the official websites of all 14 domestic automakers are set to “blitz” a common promotional display.

The show attracted major international manufacturers in the automotive industry who have a notable stake in the region. Japan’s 14 automobile manufacturers are exhibiting their 15 vehicle brands. There is a common vision that seems to underpin the organizer’s goal of redefining the show within the context of continuous evolution, and this year’s show is set to be the starting point for this progression into the future of mobility.

For 24 hours, websites of the 14 domestic manufacturers will promote the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 with a common, collaborative visual display incorporating all of their logos. This year’s show will also be promoted on the automakers’ social media accounts.

The common theme running through the show this year was about digital integration, renewable materials, lightweight bodies, driving comfort, flexible layout, electric-powered vehicles, using hydrogen as an energy source – and fun to look at.

Exhibits and events at the show promise to transcend the boundaries of the motoring industry to integrate a multiplicity of concepts and technologies from a broad spectrum. With designs ranging from cool to sublime via outlandish, sometimes bordering on ridiculous…

MAZDA VISION COUPE CONCEPT – Since 2010, Mazda has attracted global acclaim for its vital and dynamic car designs created under the Soul of Motion philosophy (KODO). The company explores Japanese aesthetic and further develop KODO in pursuit of more elegant and premium styling. The exterior of the next-generation vision model embodies a minimalist Japanese aesthetic, achieving a simple “one motion” form that exudes a sense of speed. Mazda’s latest concept isn’t a coupe at all. It’s a sporty-looking sedan with a coupe-like roofline. Do try to notice the rear doors!Toyota Century – The new 3rd generation Century carries on the tradition of master craftsmanship and high-quality ‘monozukuri’ (all-encompassing manufacturing) while realising high-demand environmental performance and a passenger comfort. Interior and exterior design inject new charm into the Century in line with its heritage. The new Century features advanced equipment and comfort amenities only suitable for a luxury limousine.LEXUS LS+ CONCEPT – Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, indicates the future image of the “LS” flagship sedan. With its advanced and dignified styling and automated driving technologies planned for application in 2020, the LS+ Concept was developed as a model that symbolises Lexus’ foresight.MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT is a high-performanceall-electric crossover SUV. It features major advances in EV technology and the all-wheel control technology acquired through SUV development. Design inspiration was likely to have been drawn from a child’s toy – a seamless addition to a Hot Wheels set.Suzuki e-SURVIVOR. According to the manufacturer, e-Survivor inherits the magnetic identity of Suzuki from the Jimny and the Vitara. It is a compact SUV of the next age. …we wonder when that age is, when survivors need to rely on something that looks like it was taken straight from a Hot Wheels bargain bin.HONDA LEGEND – Honda’s flagship sedan always at the pinnacle evolves even more. A showcase of proprietary new technologies – a challenge to the world’s best. Low and wide styling is further enhanced with a new front grille and bumper design, and with advanced headlights and turn signals, looks even more aggressive than before. No effort has been spared in pursuing the feeling of unity with the car. The body, chassis, and control have been finely tuned to hone the Legend’s next generation inch-perfect handling feel realised through Honda’s Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The new generation Legend marks the dawn of a new challenge, to be the world’s best driver’s car.Among the bikes showcased, was Honda’s Riding Assist e – it can balance itself without the need for any external support and also mitigate the risk of a fall when manoeuvring the motorcycle at low speeds or when coming to a full stop. Honda used its propriety balance control technologies to develop the concept that is based on its research in robotics. Honda has not given out technical details for now, though judging by the ‘e’-suffix it is likely to be a fully-electric motorcycle. The Honda Riding Assist motorcycle so far won three awards at CES 2017: The Best of CES 2017, “Best Innovation” and “Best Automotive Technology” awards as judged by Engadget, the official partner of the Best of CES Awards, as well as the Popular Mechanics magazine’s Best of CES “Editors’ Choice Awards.”Honda Sports EV Concept – Built upon an EV-specific platform, this concept model is equipped with a highly responsive electric power unit in an easy to handle compact body. Powerful, smooth acceleration is coupled with a serene quietness thanks to its electric motor, and a low centre of gravity realise exciting manoeuvrability, giving the driver a completely new immersive experience. With “Honda Automated Network Assistant” using Honda’s AI technology, the concept aims to create communication that unites the driver and car. Challenging the next generation of sports car design, the low and wide design takes its sports car looks a step further: the unforgettable styling utilising ‘rich and supple’ surfaces with a “friendly” front fascia that naturally blends in with any lifestyle.YAMAHA NIKEN – Yamaha seems to have bought the Predator’s bike to the show. This large-displacement Leaning Multi-Wheeler (LMW) is powered by a liquid-cooled in-line 3-cylinder engine. The LMW technology reduces the effects of changing ride environments and aims to deliver high stability when cornering. The body design makes full use of the unprecedented front-end suspension mechanisms pairing 15-inch front wheels with dual-tube upside-down forks to visually accentuate the machine’s sporty performance and create an edgy look at the same time.BMW 8 Series CoupeMercedes-AMG Project ONE Hypercar – originally revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year.The new Audi A8 presents the future of the luxury class. In its fourth generation, the brand’s flagship model again provides the benchmark for Vorsprung durch Technik – with an updated design, innovative touchscreen operating concept and a systematically electrified drive. The Audi A8 is also the first production automobile in the world to have been developed for highly automated driving.

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